News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Sports Wagering Bill Remains Mired in Missouri Senate Split Over Gambling Expansion
The odds that the Missouri General Assembly will pass sports gambling legislation during this year’s session area dwindling.
Nick’s Picks | NFL Draft Prep Disruptions Begin
The NFL Draft is still more than two weeks away, but prep work on the huge event will start causing traffic headaches this week.
Lux Living Briefs Neighborhood on 14th & Wyandotte Hotel, Apartment Plan
By Kevin Collison Lux Living provided fresh details of its planned hotel and apartment project at 14th and Wyandotte along with updated renderings at a briefing to the Downtown Neighborhood Association Thursday. The project calls for a 10-story, 200-room boutique hotel to be built on a vacant, rubble-strewn lot at 1319 Wyandotte and a 20-story…
‘Canceled, Censored, Banned’ Sparks Questions About Government, Books and Public Libraries
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s proposed rule addressing material at public libraries has sparked questions about book restrictions. Here are answers.
With the Ogallala Aquifer Drying Up, Kansas Ponders Limits to Irrigation
Water levels in the Ogallala Aquifer continue to plummet. But after decades of inaction, Kansas’ approach to water conservation might be shifting.
Torn Label Brewing Adds Spice to its Suds with Tacos Valentina
By Kevin Collison Next time you’re at Torn Label Brewing in the East Crossroads, you can pair your Alpha Pale Ale with a taco or quesadilla prepared by Tacos Valentina. The microbrewery at 1708 Campbell became a new home to what had been a rambling, pop-up eatery about two weeks ago. Rafi Chaudry, owner of…
KC Author of Banned Children’s Books Marches On
A Kansas City-based author of children’s books recently learned his work was on a list of the most banned picture books. Here’s how he responded.
Residence, Short-Term Rentals Planned for East Crossroads Building
By Kevin Collison A three-story industrial building in the East Crossroads would be enlarged and converted to a private residence and three short-term rental units under a plan endorsed by the City Plan Commission Tuesday. The owner, who was not identified at the Plan Commission hearing, intends to add a fourth floor to the vacant…
New Taxes on Recreational Marijuana, Airbnbs Win Voter Approval Across Kansas City
Customers purchasing recreational marijuana in Kansas City and neighboring municipalities will pay a 3% local tax on those retail sales, on top of the 6% state tax, following Tuesday’s election. New taxes and fees on short-term rentals also received Kansas City voter approval.
The Resonant Legacy of Pipe Organs in Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence has an honored place in the world of pipe organs. It is home to both Reuter Organ Co. and one of the nation’s largest university organ departments.